Sunday, April 17, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 11

It's the final countdown to the Big Sur Marathon! One week to go until the race. This was my last full effort. And I am ready!

Monday: rest day. But I did stop on the way to work to steal me some sunshine. And a yoga pose.

Reverse warrior

Tuesday: I had 6 miles on the plan, so I went to the pool for some pool running. The lifeguards were very chipper this morning. One of the lifeguards was dancing as he patrolled around the dive well. Apparently earlier this year there was an issue with a swimmer who complained that the music was too loud. Long story short, OSHA came out to check the sound system and found that it was within acceptable limits. So the lifeguards got their groove back.

I didn't get a selfie, though because they were just too observant! I thought maybe I'd get one in the locker room, but all the pool noodlers were in there, getting ready for class. I did overhear this: when asked by another noodler how she was feeling since she got out of the hospital, a lady replied that her "stupid doctor" put her on some heart medication but she's not taking it because she's "mad at him". Don't you love that kind of logic? I wonder how that's working out for her.

Wednesday: There was speedwork on the plan but since I'm still taking it easy on my feet, I put my bike in the trainer for another GCN video. This one was called HIIT Intense Cycle Training Workout. It was supposed to be 40 minutes BUT there's a little surprise at the end. The instructor threw in an extra set of intervals. I laughed to myself because the people in the class did not look happy when he announced it. I wasn't either because this is another really tough workout. And dammit, there were ads in this video. One of them popped up right in the middle of that last interval too. That really threw me off. The other thing that I noticed is that there is one girl who is in every one of these GCN videos. I call her RBF because, RBF. She looks miserable in every video. At the end of this one she's talking with the girl next to her and I had the thought that this would be perfect for some bad lip reading. "How about that last interval?" "This guy is a real dick." "Let's go get Starbucks."

There was some yoga, after all that.

Twisted high lunge

Thursday: I headed to the pool for another hour of pool running aka aqua jogging around the dive well. For almost the whole time, I had the dive well to myself, with the exception of the lifeguards. With about 15 minutes left to go, the pool noodlers joined me for their warm up. One lady, a newbie, asked me if this was a class. I shook my head no, but thought to myself, do I look like a freaking pool noodler? I just picked up the pace and kept going.

He moves fast!

Later I went to see Becky for my final session until after the marathon. She had a tough workout planned for me. I pulled the sled, loaded up with plates, down the street. Every once in a while, she had me stop and do KB swings, KB deadlifts, or sidesteps with the resistance band. When she finally let me turn around, she got the idea to have me walk backwards, pulling the sled. At least I could see the cars coming at me before they might hit me, right? There were more KB swings and sidesteps. No rowing today, thankfully. My hips, glutes, and hamstrings were sore. This will be good for those hills of California.

This one's for the downhills

Friday: rest day.

Saturday: I had 4 miles on the plan and that's what I set out to do before work. It was a perfect morning for a run. 45 degrees, no wind, bright sunshine--oh my! Spring, where have you been? I took it easy, my legs felt good, and nope, no foot pain. I even picked up a penny for good luck. Could this be happening? 4.31m/8:39m/m

Warrior 2

Sunday: I had eight miles on the plan and I wanted to enjoy them since this would be my last run until Big Sur. I ran to my favorite place to train, the retention pond with the 2 mile loop. I haven't run much there since my injury. Even though it was early, the parking lot was packed. My foot didn't bother me much but the temperatures did. I haven't run in warm weather since Florida, 6 weeks ago. I'm not complaining, but it did make things a little tougher for me! What a great way to wrap up my marathon training cycle! 8.34 miles/8:54m/m

It doesn't get any better than this.

And now the final countdown begins. I'm not planning on running at all this week. Fresh feet is the goal. A little cycling, pool running, and yoga just to keep me from going completely nuts.

How was your week? Is spring happening where you are? Do you pick up pennies for good luck?Good luck to everyone running Boston tomorrow!!!

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap. It's the place to be. You don't want to miss out, do you?

I'm also linking up with Erin at Her Heartland Soul for her Weekend Snapshot. Got a few of those in this post...

Super week, very nice weekend runs! I laughed about the penny, my son bent down to pick one up last week and it was glued...that pretty sums up his luck. An empty pool is nice! When I had to go to the pool is was always packed. I hope this week goes quick for you, I can't wait for you to run this race! It is going to be great :)

Wasn't it just the most gorgeous week and weekend :D And YAY for you getting to the end of it all! That is awesome. Now just to keep everything together :DAnd That is hilarious that the patient stopped taking meds as a WHAT NOW to her doctor. SMH

Sounds like you had a great week of training. I'm glad your foot is doing so good! That cracked me up about the lifeguards being too observant. I’m that way when I take selfies too. I try to make sure no one is looking at me. Lol Your bad lip reading of your cycling video also made me laugh too! Good luck next week! I can't wait to read all about it!

Wendy - I can't believe your Big Sur Marathon is almost here - time flies! Following your training for this run was awesome. I think I told you many times what a great inspiration you are, and those Yoga pics truly rock! You will be great! Can't wait to read all about it!

Hooray for race week! It's so exciting that it's finally here. I'm glad to read that you feel ready to go and that the foot has been feeling good. You are going to have a great time at Big Sur, I know it. Glad you were able to sneak that one selfie in at the pool when the lifeguard's back was turned - you crack me up!

While dealing with an injury with a big race on the horizon, you have stayed so positive. I think all that pool running will help you so much at Big Sur. Your training last week was really solid and you must feel great about the race. Yay for vacation races!

I hope you really are as upbeat as you sound! And I hope all the alternative training works for you (and what about the PT?). It sure worked for Holly!

May you have bright blue skies & no wind. It's such a beautiful place! What a great area to run a race in. If only their half were actually in Big Sur (it's in Monterey which is also pretty, but not quite the same).

What a week...what a great variety of training.... your workout pics with Becky and the crazy things she has you do are always my favorite.... You're going to have a great marathon....enjoy the scenery!

I may regret this but, Ok I have to ask what is a pool noodler anyway? All I can picture is women with noodles doing some kind of dance in the water, bad I know!! :) You are so ready and I am just as excited for you. What kind of weather is it like in Big Sur, we wondered if you'll be dealing with wind like us?

I always love your pictures, you use a great filter for them, so fitting for running and working out!!!Rest up, get a little walking in to keep yourself loose and you are going to have an awesome race this weekend! Hope you get perfect running conditions and that the fog clears a bit by the time you get down around the cliff view areas, it's absolutely stunning to look down around the coast when it starts to clear! Have a great race, and a great trip!!!

I had to deal with the geriatric aqua aerobics class. Most of them could barely walk. I was kicked out of their lanes a few times. At least they were making an effort. You've.so.got.this! I hope you have a wonderful experience and a truly incredible trip to the west coast. Think about pool running during the race. It will give you extra motivation. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.

LOL at the dancing lifeguards at the pool. Better than one of the pools I went to recently where the lifeguard was literally dozing off in the corner. Nice to get paid to guard peoples' lives and take a nap at the same time, too, eh?

Woohoo, only several days left until Big Sur! Your motivation and determination will get you to the finish line. And since you're resting your feet all week, hope the PF will stay quiet during the entire race. Enjoy the scenery as it will be amazing and have a great time with your husband in Monterey!

OMG wendy! If I had a dollar for every person that tells me " It's just genetics, that's why I'm getting cavities and bleeding" Yup - you're right, you're bleeding like a stuck pig because of genetics! :) Oh and that "cottage cheese on your teeth AKA: plaque just somehow 'got' there. " Mmmm hmmmm.. why don't you listen to my advice and maybe floss a bit and pick up a brush every now and again. * insert soap box here. Wishing you all of the luck and fast feet at Big Sur - enjoy every moment!

HI! I'm Wendy! I've been a runner most of my adult life. My motivation for running has changed over the years but my love for all the miles has endured. Recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, my motivation to keep on running is stronger than ever! Running's been good to me. Last year, I was fortunate to realize my life dream of running the Big Sur Marathon. What's next? I don't know. For now I just run for the love of it. I also enjoy yoga, cycle, strength training, kayaking, SUP, and waterskiing. I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon. I can't stop and I won't stop!

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